Youth Orchestras

“Our youth orchestra programs give serious young musicians a chance to prepare orchestral selections and perform them at a high standard.”

– Anton Kuerti, Artistic Director Emeritus

Over 120 players are divided into three orchestras. A friendly, non-competitive atmosphere prevails. Full year tuition fee is $450 for Senior, $425 for Intermediate, and $375 for Junior orchestra players. Tuition includes a free ticket to each of the youth orchestra performances plus your choice of Mooredale Concert Series tickets for a nominal additional charge. New members are welcome and may join almost any time, if space is available (refer audition information below). The orchestras rehearse most Saturdays at Mooredale House in Rosedale. Promotions between orchestras are at the discretion of the respective conductors and is based upon demonstrated playing ability.

Age 6 – 13
The Junior Orchestra offers young string players their first chance to play together in a real orchestra. The members need to play at RCM Grade 2 or Suzuki books 2 or 3. Rehearsals are Saturdays 11:45–1:15pm.

Age 10 – 16
The Intermediate Orchestra concentrates on Baroque masters such as Vivaldi, Corelli, and early Mozart. The work is challenging and fun. Young instrumentalists need the equivalent of RCM Grade 4-5 or Suzuki book 4 – 6. Rehearsals are Saturdays 11:30–1:30pm.

Age 12 – 20
The Senior Orchestra performs difficult symphonies by composers such as Haydn, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, and Beethoven. To qualify, players must be Grade 8 RCM level or more advanced. Rehearsals are Saturdays 2:00–4:30pm.

Performance/Rehearsal/Audition Information

Performances: November 17, 2019, March 8, June 14, 2020

Tickets: $20/15 (senior/youth) ONLY available at the door for purchase

As at Sept. 9, 2019, we are WAIT LIST for the Junior Orchestra, ONLY accepting Viola new players for Intermediate Orchestra, OPEN for all positions for Senior Orchestra.

Auditions are at Mooredale House, 146 Crescent Road, M4W 1V2 and free parking is available. Auditions are 10 minutes, requiring a current piece to be performed by the player for the conductor and a possibly a sight reading passage. Our auditions are not designed to exclude players – we want to ensure they are placed in the correct orchestra.

To book an audition, please contact Christina Cavanagh at marketing@mooredaleconcerts.com or 647-988-2102. We require your child’s name, age, instrument, music grade level/equivalent plus a parent name and contact information.

Musical Training
The orchestras are led by professional musicians who take a very personable, yet focused approach to their craft. They enjoy nurturing and nourishing young musical minds. This very special commendation from an orchestra member says it all!

“At Mooredale playing together as an orchestra is just the beginning. We cooperate, we experiment. Each week we try to reach beyond the notes to stimulate our curiosity, our creativity and our imaginations.”